Justice in Earth Observation for Conservation

Decisions about biodiversity conservation are increasingly being shaped by Earth Observation data. These data are gained from technologies such as satellites and drones. EO-data driven decision making is raising justice issues and risks for people living in areas managed for conservation.

This Justice in Earth Observation for Conservation project will transform understanding of the social risks and benefits of increased use of Earth Observation in conservation. The team will develop solutions with relevant stakeholders, including affected residents, data analysts, and conservation managers.

The project will compare experiences across four conservation areas:

• The Peak District (UK)
• Albufera Natural Park (Spain)
• Maya Biosphere Reserve (Guatemala)
• Mount Kenya Landscape (Kenya)

This project is funded by an Economic and Social Research Council large grant and will run until 2028.

The team is led by The University of Manchester, in partnership with research colleagues based in the UK, USA, Spain, Guatemala, and Kenya. The project includes expertise from The University of Edinburgh, George Mason University, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona.

Collaborators include:

• Rose Pritchard (Principle Investigator), Global Development Institute, The University of Manchester
• Tim Foster (Co-Principle Investigator), The University of Manchester
• Charis Enns, Global Development Institute, The University of Manchester
• Laura Sauls, George Mason University, USA
• José Pablo Prado Córdova, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
• Klerkson Lugasa, Independent consultant, Kenya
• Marina Requena, Mora Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona
• Casey Ryan, The University of Edinburgh, UK
• Johan Oldekop, Global Development Institute, The University of Manchester